We work with business owners, corporate marketers, meeting and event planners, and HR pros to help them avoid the bad swag and choose SMART Swag: branded merchandise that’s Special, Memorable, Affordable, Relevant and Targeted.

How do we do it? We get to you know you. Ask questions. Understand your brand, its vibe and what it represents to your customers. We stay up-to-date on current marketing trends and new product introductions. We evaluate your marketing goals and specific project objectives and recommend creative promotional products from quality vendors that only provide safe and compliant merchandise.

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

Founder of Corporate Specialties, Valerie Hayman Sklar, CAS* began her career in Hotel Marketing and Sales after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University in Hotel and Food Administration. She then spent ten years as Media Director for The Hayman Company, a Multi-Family Properties. With that firm she built, developed and nurtured meaningful relationships with each property in her nationwide portfolio, by creating and implementing effective marketing solutions and plans. Her time with the Hayman Company set the stage for the founding of Corporate Specialties.

Valerie launched Corporate Specialties in 1997 with a simple mission: to provide clients marketing solutions with distinctive promotional products that leave a lasting impact on customers and prospects. With good taste, style and keen marketing instincts, she thinks outside (and inside) the promotional box to bring her clients creative promotional products and marketing strategies.

* The CAS (Certified Advertising Specialist) industry designation is awarded to less than 4% of industry professionals who have reached and continue to meet a higher standard of professionalism, knowledge, and experience within the promotional advertising products industry, setting them apart from their competition. It is the industry’s standard and the mark of a professional.

REASONS TO WORK WITH US

WE UNDERSTAND CORPORATE BRANDING

Valerie has spent 20+ years in corporate marketing and promi, and has seen what works—and what doesn’t. No matter what business you’re in—from property management to dance studios and everything in between, we have the experience you need in a marketing partner specializing in creative promotional products.

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS ARE OUR SPECIALTY

Whether you call it branded merchandise, advertising specialties, promotional products or swag, these logoed items are one of the most influential, enduring and cost-effective ad mediums available today. I have 16 years’ experience of developing comprehensive marketing programs that incorporate creative promotional products, and I put this experience to work for my clients every day.

CREATIVE IDEAS ARE THE FOUNDATION FOR PROMOTIONS

We incorporate as best practices in corporate marketing as well as bring in ideas from other industries to create a custom campaign to fit your unique needs. I figure out less costly or more effective ways to achieve what you want to accomplish. I suggest different products, uses and distribution techniques for more impact.

WE RESPECT YOUR TIME AND HONOR YOUR BUSINESS

You’re a busy professional and I respect your time. Communications are thorough but to the point, and meetings are professional without being overly stuffy. I treat my clients the way I like to be treated and offer you white-glove service. I will work in partnership with you to help you achieve results and will truly honor your business.

MARKETING IS OUR FORTE

We create marketing solutions rather than sell stuff. Since my background is in marketing, I take a comprehensive, consultative approach to developing promotional campaigns that get results—from customer loyalty programs and tradeshow campaigns to employee incentives and business gifts.

WE MAKE THE PROCESS EASY

There are thousands of promotional products on the marketplace, and much goes into selecting the right item for your unique marketing needs. I do the sourcing to ensure you have the highest quality products that meet your budget parameters—all while delighting your target audience. I can even create webstores to manage the logistical end so that you can do what you do best: manage your business.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

I’m a big believer in education, and I’ve created corpspecblog.com to be a go-to resource for business owners, corporate marketers, meeting and event planners, and HR pros to learn about promotional marketing and how it can be easily incorporated into the overall marketing mix.